What can be called a historic decision, the highest court of India has upheld the constitution validity of the RTE, (Right to Education Act, 2009). Enforcement of the law would essentially mean that owners of educational institutes will have to provide free education to children coming from poor families. The observation is definitely appears to be a boon and a blessing as the old Hindu year departs for underprivileged and/or not so rich and likely to weave new dreams.

I personally feel that the judgement is likely to raise questions more than controversy. The landmark decision was pronounced by a three judge bench comprising of Chief Justice SH Kapadia and justices KS Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar yesterday.

Indian School Children

Many children and parents alike supported SC’s decision, Aryan (13) of DAV Public School near Anand Vihar, New Delhi raised his concerns of an immediate fee hike. He said, “If the poor starts studying with us free, the principal will definitely increase our fees.” On the other hand, The RTE act mandates that 25 percent seats should be offered to government and private unaided schools, across the country. The apex court clarified that its judgement will come into force from April 12 but will only have a prospective affect and not retrospective affect. The bench reiterated that the act will apply uniformly to government and unaided private schools except unaided private minority schools.